Bernson Wants Pool Alarms Required
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Los Angeles City Councilman Hal Bernson, who fought for years to require homes to have valves to shut off gas flow after earthquakes, is considering requiring a new safety device to prevent drownings: pool alarms.
Bernson, who represents parts of the northwest San Fernando Valley, will introduce a motion today asking Building and Safety officials to investigate the feasibility of requiring pool alarms on all backyard pools.
Nearly 500 people drown in backyard pools in the United States each year.
Pool alarms cost about $150 and sound a loud beeping noise when activated by a wave or splash caused by someone falling into a pool.
Bernson’s assistant chief deputy, Francine Oschin, suggested the idea to the lawmaker after reading about the devices in a magazine.
“We would like to do it on every single pool because a pool is a danger for children,” she said.
The city already requires pool covers or fences to keep children out of unmonitored pools. Oschin said the alarms may provide additional protection.
She said that studies show that many drownings occur with a parent or guardian nearby.
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